Flights to Geneva

There are few cities in the world that can claim to be as cosmopolitan as Geneva. Thanks to its status as one of the homes of the United Nations, flights to Geneva are packed with dignitaries and world leaders year-round.

It’s a magnet for tourists as well, who come to marvel at this seat of power and its stunning lakeside setting. Not only is Geneva a hub of diplomacy, it’s a popular spot for shopping, dining, nightlife and leisure.

In 2014 Geneva won Europe’s Leading City Break Destination at the World Travel Awards. It offers a host of Michelin-starred restaurants – bestowing far more than your typical Swiss cuisine. Combined with its opulent hotels and shopping boutiques, Geneva has become much more than a stopover for skiers or a useful base for the business or government traveller.

While it’s a cosmopolitan city, Geneva also boasts everything Switzerland is best known for. It’s home to beautiful mountain views (the Jura Alps make a picture postcard backdrop), watch-making expertise, and the highest quality food and drink – think artisan chocolates and indulgent fondues. But there’s ample time and opportunity to burn off those calories, as Geneva is a wonderful outdoor playground for skiing, snowboarding, hiking and mountain biking, depending on the time of year you happen to be there.

The city’s entertainment has one eye on the more illustrious guests that pass through, with global leaders finding no shortage of celebrity chefs on hand. Yet suits do rub shoulders with ski jackets in Geneva, as thousands extend their time on the piste to enjoy what the city has to offer such as a range of impressive museums, the atmospheric Old Town, and lakeside gardens.

What to do in Geneva

Explore Old Town

A short climb from the shores of the lake is the Old Town, which is classified as a national heritage site. With its cobbled streets and passageways, interesting courtyards and antique shops, it’s a cool place to explore for an afternoon. Climb the towers of St Pierre Cathedral for a wonderful panorama of the city.

St Pierre Cathedral
Place du Bourg-de-Four 24
1204
+41 22 311 7575

(French language website)

Understand the Big Bang

CERN is the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, best known as the site of the Large Hadron Collider. Go on an exciting journey deep into the world of particle physics in the visually stunning globe and check out the on-going diary of cultural and artistic events.

European Organisation for Nuclear Research
1211
+41 22 767 7676

Marvel at Jet d’Eau

The Jet d’Eau, or Geneva Water Fountain, is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, spraying water 140m into the air. The lakeside has lots of other attractions too, from flower-filled quays to waterside gardens, jetties, beaches and cafes. Best of all is the stunning view across the lake to the mountains.

Quai Gustave-Ador
1207

Where to eat in Geneva

L’Arabesque (Middle Eastern)

Chef Elias Azar has a Michelin Bib Gourmand – an award given to restaurants offering excellent food at reasonable prices – for his Lebanese menu in the luxury surrounds of Hotel President Wilson. It's a refined twist on traditional staples of grilled meat and fish, hummus, tabbouleh and cold and hot mezzes.

Hotel President Wilson
Quai Wilson 47
1211
+41 22 906 6763

Vertig’O (French)

Despite its name, Jerome Manifacier’s Michelin-starred restaurant is actually on the ground floor of the famous Hotel De La Paix. He serves traditional French food with a modern twist. Try the chef’s recommendation: stuffed sole with mushrooms.

Hotel de la Paix
Quai du Mont-Blanc 11
1211
+41 22 909 6073

Rasoi by Vineet (Indian)

A Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in Geneva? But of course. Celebrity chef Vineet Bhatia’s modern take on traditional Indian cookery at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is a must try for foodies. A large granite tandoor oven in the middle of the beautiful dining room really adds to the theatre.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Quai Turrettini 1
1201
+41 22 909 0000

Places to stay in Geneva

Eastwest Hotel

For a centrally located boutique hotel with a reasonable room rate, look no further than Eastwest Hotel. The rooms are stylish, modern and calming, and stocked full of hi-tech gadgets, while the restaurant offers sophisticated fusion food in a contemporary setting.

Rue des Paquis 6
1201
+41 22 708 1707

La Reserve

La Reserve may be a retreat surrounded by four acres of parkland, but it’s also close to Geneva’s attractions. There’s a fantastic spa and pool area, a small beach, and the rooms are furnished in a subtle African safari lodge style. La Reserve caters well for families with children, too.

Route de Lausanne 301
1293
Bellevue
+41 22 959 5959

La Cour Des Augustins

Each stylish room in this design hotel features work from an international artist, and it also functions as an art gallery. If you're looking for a fashionable and modern boutique hotel in Geneva, La Cour Des Augustins will fit the bill.

Rue Jean-Violette 15
1205
+41 22 322 2100

Plan your trip

Rent a car

Whether you’re travelling for work or pleasure, enjoy taking things at your own pace by hiring a car on emirates.com. Add car hire to an existing flight by visiting Manage your booking, or even book a hire car without booking a flight at all.

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